Weaverwelder

I just purchased a 97 dodge cummins turbo diesel 2x4 extra cab for $1000!!!! 130,000 miles with a utility bed VIN 3B7KC23D0VM539457. This is my first diesel!!! My problem is there is no owners manual and I dont know exactly what I have.. gas tank size, 12v or 24v, ect... I would also like to know of the best way to increase fuel milage. Are GFORCE chips any good? electric fuel pump or mechanical? what kind of oil do I use?
I could really use a owners or service manual if anyone can help.

Thanks a lot
Chris

Purplezr2

It is a 12 valve
It has a mechanical Piston Pump LP
It has a P7100 Injection Pump
I believe the tank is either 33 or 38 gallon depending short or long bed respectively.
Oil any good diesel rated oil, Rotella, Mobil Delvac, Delo, come to mind of the top of my head. I use none synthetic and change every 7k. 15-40 is the weight I use.

Weaverwelder

Thank you for that information. Its is much appreciated. Do you Know you of any up grades I should think about?

Chris

Purplezr2

I don't own a 12 valve so not really, gauges are always good, Fuel pressure/boost/trans temp(assuming you have an auto). I sure more people will chime in. Make sure all the fluids are good and current(coolant, diff, power steering, oil, grease fittings).

rstl99

Well I suppose at THAT price you didn't see the need to find out what you were buying
Personally, I'd advise you to get to know the truck first, go through all the fluid checks as purple suggested, make sure all is running well, before considering hasty upgrades...
You mention that you want to increase fuel mileage - surely you must realize that for that size of vehicle, the stock Cummins diesel should provide excellent mileage. Usually, people consider mods to increase performance (HP, acceleration) at the detriment of fuel mileage.
Anyway, good luck with the truck.

patdaly

First, pop the hood and look at the tag under it, what ratio gears do you have?

For a factory service manual, Genos Garage has them on CD for 30 bucks, really cheap to get a legit copy.......

You stole that truck............

swordfish

Also you have a mechanical injection pump so HP can be add by "tinkering" with the IP. I am not a 12valve guy so I can't tell you how, but you do not need a chip. Those of us with an electronic IP need programmers and chips. You have the luxury of not needing that stuff. Nice find and good luck. Like others said, pop the hood and get to know the truck, it will help in the long run when you are working on it later.

swordfish

Junk Man

Do a little research before asking such broad questions. With the VIN, the dealer can tell you what came stock on the truck. Read the 12V forums. Look at your truck. Then ask questions that are unanswered.

Weaverwelder

Hey thanks for all the replys guys. I am doing all the research I can on this truck, and appreciate all the response. Like all of you I like to take great care of my machines and I know this truck will last me a LONG TIME. All the fluids look good, and she is running STRONG. Filled the tank up yesterday and got 15.1 MPG, with a mix of town and country driving.

Thanks again
Chris

infidel

Lots of good info here> http://dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

You should buy a factory service manual if you want to do your own work. They would be a deal at twice the price and pay for themselves by avoiding just one repair you don't do yourself.
Get one here> http://www.genosgarage.com/products.asp?dept=241

Weaverwelder

thanks for the link. just purchased the cd.
chris

89_cumm1ns_w35o

air intakes, banks fuel chip, head studs, and aftermaket injectors